The Latest News & Updates

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged President Trump to advocate for the release of religious prisoners. This plea comes before the scheduled visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington, D.C. on September 24. The commission has expressed concern over China’s record on religious freedom and hopes that the issue will be addressed during the diplomatic visit.

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, has called on Christians in the Holy Land to embrace the “logic of the cross” through acts of love and self-giving. This call was made during a Mass presided over by the Cardinal on the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Taybeh. The message encourages Christians to live their faith in a practical and compassionate way.

Cissie Lynch, granddaughter of Billy Graham, has been nominated by President Trump to serve as the religious freedom ambassador. Lynch, an author and radio host, has expressed that it would be a “great honor and privilege” to serve in this capacity if her nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. This role is crucial in advocating for religious freedom both domestically and internationally.

The Catholic Medical Association has highlighted the necessity of integrating both Eastern and Western spirituality in medical practice to promote holistic healing. This was the focus of the association’s 95th annual educational conference held in Phoenix from September 10-12. The conference explored how the Eastern Catholic Church can contribute to Western medicine in promoting human flourishing.

In other news, Pope Leo XIV has appointed the Newark auxiliary bishop to lead the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. In addition, the Pope has accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis Malone, 76, from Shreveport, Louisiana. These changes in leadership are part of the ongoing administrative decisions within the Catholic Church.

A recent study has drawn attention to the issue of women being coerced or pressured into having abortions, and the negative outcomes that can result from this. The study found that abortion providers often do not screen for signs of coercion, which can lead to women feeling forced into making decisions that they may not be comfortable with. This lack of screening can have serious implications for the mental and physical health of these women.

The sainthood cause for Tom Vander Woude, a Virginia farmer and Catholic father of seven, has progressed to the information gathering stage. Vander Woude tragically lost his life while saving his youngest son, and his heroic actions have led to calls for his canonization. The process is now in the hands of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, who will examine his life and virtues.

A report has raised concerns about the funding and completion rates of natural family planning programs. The report found that in 2025, 18,211 individuals received some instruction on natural family planning across various dioceses. However, only 7,518 individuals completed a full course. This discrepancy points to potential issues with the accessibility and effectiveness of these programs.

In Iraq, nearly 700 young Christians gathered for the Baghdeda Youth Festival. The attendees came together to pray and listen to talks, under the theme “In the Footsteps of St. Francis.” This event represents a significant gathering of young Christians in a region that has often been marked by religious conflict.

Finally, there has been a request for the United Nations to recognize surrogate motherhood as a new form of slavery. The request argues that surrogacy fits the definition of slavery as laid out in the 1926 Slavery Convention, as it involves the rights of ownership over a person. This controversial viewpoint has sparked a debate about the ethics and implications of surrogate motherhood.

Father Dave Brokke of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) has shared that the Society has seen positive results from embracing the traditional practice of ember days. This ancient tradition, which involves fasting and prayer at the change of each season, has been particularly beneficial in promoting vocations within the religious community.

Pope Leo XIV commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with prayers for the victims and those still affected by the tragedy. In his Angelus reflection, the Pope emphasized that forgiveness is a crucial component in the pursuit of peace. He encouraged Catholics worldwide to remember the victims and to strive for peace and reconciliation in their own lives and communities.

In Lebanon, beyond the well-known shrines, there are numerous lesser-known religious sites that continue to attract pilgrims. These hidden gems offer visitors the chance for quiet reflection, prayer, and a deeper understanding of Lebanon’s rich Christian heritage. These sites provide a unique opportunity for pilgrims to connect with the faith in a more intimate setting.

The Vatican has transitioned its vegetable garden to be 100% organic, in line with Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. The shift towards biological farming techniques has been ongoing for several years, demonstrating the Vatican’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

In the United States, the Archdiocese of Chicago has agreed to pay $5.5 million in settlements to nine victims of abuse. Lawyers representing the victims have described the settlement as a significant moment in addressing allegations of abuse within the archdiocese. The settlement is seen as a step towards justice and healing for the victims.

The Chicago Archdiocese has agreed to pay $5.5 million to nine victims of abuse, according to attorneys. This settlement is seen as a significant step in addressing allegations of abuse within the archdiocese. In a separate case, the court has ruled that the Chicago Archdiocese, along with Catholic sisters, will not have to comply with the state suicide law. The Catholic objectors will be protected from the law while a federal lawsuit against the state policy is ongoing.

In international news, Claire Lai, the daughter of imprisoned Hong Kong advocate Jimmy Lai, has announced her cancer diagnosis. As a Catholic activist, Jimmy Lai’s work has been influential in the global Catholic community. His daughter’s diagnosis comes as a shock to many, and she is now beginning treatment for her illness. In other news, Iraq has announced plans to construct the largest Marian shrine, and the canonization process has begun for priests from Belfast.

John Cuddeback, a professor at Christendom College, is encouraging families to reclaim their homes in an age dominated by technology. In an interview with EWTN News, Cuddeback discussed his new book “The Intentional Household: Living as if People Matter,” which advocates for homes to be places of human flourishing. He argues that the home should be a place of personal growth and development, rather than a hub for technology.

In the world of Catholic entertainment, filmmakers are choosing to prioritize human craft over artificial intelligence in their upcoming animated musical about St. Francis. Director Benjamin Tanaka, executive producer Gabriel Patrick, and composer Ethan Hsu are collaborating on the project, which they have named “The Francis Chronicles.” The team believes in the importance of human creativity and craftsmanship in the creation of their film.

A Florida-based company, Idemma, has come under scrutiny for allegedly not compensating Catholic military catechists. A representative for the firm has confirmed that there are some contractor accounts currently under review or resolution, but did not provide further details.

Bishop Robert Boxie has spoken out regarding the lack of Black Catholic bishops in the U.S., expressing his appreciation for the unique contributions of Black Catholicism and spirituality. He affirmed that these perspectives have a significant role within the universal Church, suggesting the need for greater representation in the Church’s leadership.

On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, bishops across the country have been reflecting on the tragedy. New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks noted the courage, service, sacrifice, and compassion that emerged in the aftermath of the attacks, honoring those who lost their lives and those who stepped up in response to the crisis.

In a move that has surprised some, Catholic theologian Chad Pecknold has accepted a position in the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump administration. Pecknold, a former professor at The Catholic University of America, will now be part of the government agency responsible for immigration enforcement.

In Brazil, controversy has arisen following the inclusion of the ‘Creed of the Ecclesial Base Communities’ during a Mass on September 7. The Mass was part of Brazil’s annual ‘Cry of the Excluded’ event. The ‘Creed of the Ecclesial Base Communities’ has been a contentious topic within the Catholic community, but no official statement has been made regarding its use in this context.